Former England Manager SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has been named head coach of Chinese club Guangzhou R&F after leaving UAE side Al Nasr. China is "just the latest in a long list of destinations for the well-travelled Swede," who has previously coached the national teams of Mexico and Ivory Coast as well as numerous clubs, including Lazio and Man City (PA, 6/4). ... Thai football coach WINFRIED SCHÄFER has terminated his contract with the FA of Thailand (FAT). Schaefer and the FAT "have had a strained relationship," and it was brought to a head when former national striker KIATISAK SENAMUANG "was appointed caretaker coach of the national team ahead of a friendly" (BANGKOK POST, 6/4). ... Newly relegated Serie B side Palermo CEO MAURIZIO ZAMPARINI has announced the appointment of GENNARO GATTUSO as the club’s new coach. Zamparini replaces GIUSEPPE SANNINO, who was "asked to leave the outfit following relegation" (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 6/4). ... Former Real Madrid player FERNANDO HIERRO will sign this week as Qatar Football Association's Athletic Dir. Hierro will work with the association for two seasons, with his main goal being "establishing the foundation for Qatar to earn a guaranteed spot in the 2022 World Cup" (EL CONFIDENCIAL, 6/4). ... Former Real Madrid and Málaga player FERNANDO SANZ has been named the Spanish Football League's (LFP) director general of the organization's North Africa & Middle East delegation. The LFP indicated that "this begins a new stage of international expansion with the creation of an office of exterior representation to promote the league among fans, sponsors and investors" (EFE, 6/4). ... Serbian coach MIROSLAV DJUKIC has left his post at La Liga Real Valladolid after two years to take over at Valencia, where he played from '97-'03. Djukic: "I am happy to return home to my club, and I hope to meet all the expectations that the club has placed on me" (FOOTBALL ESPAÑA, 6/4).
Do you have an executive announcement? If so, please send to: global@sportsbusinessdaily.com.
